Man Utd: £40m star's 'relationship with Ten Hag' could seal Old Trafford move | OneFootball

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·21 June 2022

Man Utd: £40m star's 'relationship with Ten Hag' could seal Old Trafford move

Article image:Man Utd: £40m star's 'relationship with Ten Hag' could seal Old Trafford move

Manchester United are in a good position to tie up a big-money move for Ajax star Antony and his relationship with Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag may prove crucial, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Red Devils finished a disappointing 13 points adrift of the Champions League qualification places last season and it seems Antony has been identified as an attacking threat who could boost their numbers in the final third of the pitch.


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Article image:Man Utd: £40m star's 'relationship with Ten Hag' could seal Old Trafford move

What’s the latest news involving Antony?

Having taken over as Manchester United’s new manager following the climax of last season, ten Hag looks set to raid former employers Ajax as he bids to make his first signing.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are closing in on a £40million deal for Antony and club officials were due in Amsterdam for further talks at the start of the week.

The report suggests ten Hag wants to get his Old Trafford rebuild up-and-running by securing a reunion with the six-cap Brazil international.

Antony enjoyed a fruitful spell under the Dutchman’s tutelage at Ajax, with him scoring 22 goals and recording a further 20 assists in 79 appearances.

He also seemed to reveal that he would like to play under ten Hag again after his departure for Manchester United was rubber-stamped, with the 22-year-old attacker heading onto social media to confirm ‘I will always stand with you if you need me’.

What has Jacque Talbot said about Antony?

Talbot believes ten Hag stands a good chance of succeeding in tempting Antony to Manchester United.

The journalist has been in contact with figures close to the Old Trafford transfer target, who delivered a telling response when asked whether a reunion with the Red Devils chief is in the offing.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Antony’s relationship with ten Hag is definitely a benefit and that’s something I can see being done.

“I’ve reached out to people close to Antony and I got a sort of ‘no comment’, rather than a no, which I always find quite interesting.

“I think he is definitely someone on their radar and, especially with the Ajax and ten Hag links, that’s something that could happen.”

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Article image:Man Utd: £40m star's 'relationship with Ten Hag' could seal Old Trafford move

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Will it be easy for a deal to be struck for Antony?

Antony’s Ajax contract – which is worth £19,000-per-week – still has three years to run, so his current employers are in a strong negotiating position.

The Eredivisie giants would also prefer to keep their star man in the Dutch capital after a memorable season which saw the Brazilian register 22 goal contributions and seal back-to-back titles.

However, Manchester United have the financial willpower to meet Ajax’s demands and they could also offer Antony a huge pay rise as fringe players and up-and-coming talent from the academy already earn more than he does at present.

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